Joy

It feels like we're coming in for the home stretch. Christmas is coming soon...thank goodness. I don't think we can wait much longer! It's much too exciting for our two munchkins. And I have to admit that I'm really into the whole Christmas spirit this year. I just enjoy all the parties, Christmas cards from friends and family, singing Christmas carols, presents under the tree and all the reminders of the birth of Jesus Christ. I'm just happy. I still have a few things to finish on my list, but the big stuff is done and I'm just looking forward to spending time with my family.

I taught the Relief Society lesson on Sunday. It was a special Christmas program called "12 Silent Nights" based on the "12 Days of Christmas Closer to Christ" packets we handed out to the sisters after the lesson. I asked several sisters to share their talents/thoughts as part of the lesson. I felt the Spirit so strongly as I prepared and shared my lesson. I loved it. If you are interested in a copy of the packets or lesson, let me know and I'll email it to you. My sister, Tawnya, is the RS president in her ward and thought she might use the idea as their theme for 2010 as "12 Months Closer to Christ". I thought that was a great idea.

Last week we had our RS Christmas Progressive Dinner. Yes, I have been a busy planner for the past few weeks for my calling. :) That's why I haven't been blogging...between my church and getting ready for Christmas I have had no extra time to think. Anyway, for the dinner, we moved between three different homes for the different dinner courses. At the first house, we had Olive Garden salad and some bread sticks. After we ate, I played my guitar for a Christmas caroling sing-a-long. Lots of sisters participated, so that made it fun. At the Enrichment leader's home, we had the main course of chicken and twice-baked potatoes along with a reading of a special Christmas story. Then, at the last home we ate dessert of pies, cake and a hot chocolate bar. We visited and worked on a service quilt. The night was so much fun and I received many requests for us to plan it again next year.

Last week, the boys both had Christmas parties with their school buddies. I got to go along with Tyler to his preschool party. Tori's mom planned such a fun time for the kids. They even acted out the nativity with costumes. Ty was Joseph. He did a great job.






On Friday morning, we went over to the elementary school to watch Justin perform with the whole school in a Christmas music concert. They did a great job and it was fun to watch Justin having a great time. On Saturday afternoon, Travis and Justin went to go play laser tag for the first time at a birthday party for one of Justin's friends. Then I got to go to a girls-only Christmas party. It was so much fun to catch up with some good friends and to meet some new ones.

We are getting ready to move the boys into the same bedroom and to sleep in a bunk bed. They are so excited! I don't know why I'm doing this right before Christmas...but, alas, we are. I think they'll have a great time as roommates!

Travis' parents are coming out to Oregon for Christmas this year! We are so excited to see them soon! It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here!